Welcome back to another Filmmaker Friday! This week, we had the pleasure of sitting down with indie filmmaker Ricky Glore, the multi-hyphenate behind Sweet Meats, a horror musical dark comedy that found a home with Troma Entertainment. From navigating indie filmmaking struggles to the energy and ethos that define Troma movies, Ricky shared his journey in getting Sweet Meats made and why he believes the "just make something" philosophy is crucial for filmmakers.
Finding Troma: A Cinematic Awakening
Ricky, like many of us, grew up with a love for weird and boundary-pushing cinema. He reminisced about the first time he saw The Toxic Avenger as a kid, comparing the discovery to finding Monty Python or SNL for the first time—a revelation that filmmaking didn't have to be polished or perfect to be impactful. Instead, the raw energy of Troma films made them feel rebellious, almost punk rock in their approach. That DIY spirit was a huge influence on Ricky’s journey.
Making Sweet Meats: A True Indie Film Hustle
Initially, Sweet Meats wasn’t a Troma project. It evolved out of a larger film concept called Open House, which failed to reach its Kickstarter funding goal. Ricky pivoted, reworking elements into a lower-budget project that he could actually get off the ground. What started as a proof-of-concept campaign transformed into a full-fledged feature, with a mix of musical horror and satirical Americana.
Despite early support from major industry names like Edgar Wright, Roger Avary, and Kevin Smith sharing the campaign, the funding didn’t come easily. Ricky had to rethink how to market the project, eventually shifting from a Kickstarter campaign to Indiegogo, where he could retain whatever funds were raised.
Then, just two weeks before filming, an unexpected email arrived from Lloyd Kaufman. After reading the script, Lloyd asked Ricky if he had a distributor in mind and ultimately offered to bring Sweet Meats into the Troma family. A dream moment for any indie horror filmmaker.
What Makes a Troma Film?
Ricky believes that defining a "Troma film" is like defining pornography—you know it when you see it. He describes Troma’s spirit as chaotic and boundary-pushing, often featuring gross-out humor, social satire, and an undeniable DIY energy. While Sweet Meats might be more structured than some Troma classics, it embodies that same irreverent spirit, merging grotesque horror with absurd comedy and catchy musical numbers.
Balancing Filmmaking and Creativity
As an indie filmmaker, Ricky wears multiple hats: writer, director, producer, actor, and even songwriter. While he originally didn't want to star in Sweet Meats, necessity dictated otherwise, leading him to shape his character’s persona around that challenge—playing a more reserved and hesitant character while letting his co-stars shine.
A standout moment in the film comes from a long one-take scene with co-star Eileen, an unbroken shot that lets the performances breathe. It’s a choice that showcases Ricky’s ability to work within limitations, using blocking and movement to create cinematic moments without expensive setups.
Lessons for Indie Filmmakers
Ricky’s biggest piece of advice for aspiring filmmakers? Just make something.
“There’s always a reason not to make a movie,” he says. “Budgets, timing, resources. But the reality is, the only way to grow is to actually make films. Don’t get caught up in needing the perfect script, the perfect cast, or the perfect amount of money. Just do it.”
In a landscape where filmmakers can be paralyzed by perfectionism, Ricky embodies the opposite—embracing the chaos, adjusting on the fly, and finding a way to bring his creative visions to life against all odds.
What’s Next?
Ricky is already developing his next project while also dabbling in experimental no-budget filmmaking using only his phone. He continues to explore ways to create compelling stories with limited resources, reinforcing the idea that creativity will always outweigh budget constraints.
As Sweet Meats rolls out with Troma, Ricky remains dedicated to making movies that blend humor, horror, and heart. Whether it’s in a theater or on a streaming platform, we can’t wait to see what he does next.
Final Thoughts
Ricky Glore’s journey with Sweet Meats is a testament to persistence, adaptability, and the undying passion of independent filmmakers. His collaboration with Troma proves that with enough hustle and creativity, any film can find its audience.
Check out Sweet Meats as it makes its rounds and follow Ricky’s journey. And as always, keep making movies. The world needs your weird, wonderful stories.
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